If you've never cooked leeks down slowly until they're silky and sweet, this recipe is your sign to start. Combined with creamy butter beans and a handful of spinach stirred through at the end, the result is this deeply comforting, garlicky dish that feels like proper comfort food — just without the heaviness. It comes together in about 30 minutes and works as a side or a full meal with bread.
Ingredients 13
2 leeks, large, thinly sliced, white and light green parts only
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1⁄2 tsp salt
2 ‒ 3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans cannellini, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 cup light stock, vegetable or chicken
1⁄2 cup cream
3 handfuls baby spinach, large, fresh
1⁄2 lemon zest
1 ‒ 2 tsp fresh lemon juice, to taste
1⁄2 cup Parmesan, freshly grated, loosely packed
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
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Method 5
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and salt, and cook for 8–10 minutes until soft and silky. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the beans and stock. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. Lightly mash some of the beans to thicken the sauce.
Pour in the cream and let it gently bubble for a few minutes. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted. If desired, add a small pinch of nutmeg.
Stir in the lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, Parmesan, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning and lemon as needed.
Serve warm with toasted sourdough or crusty bread.
Cooked & Loved's tips
Don’t rush the leeks – this is where the flavor starts. Low and slow = sweet and soft.
Mash just some beans – it thickens the sauce naturally without making it stodgy.
Add lemon at the end – keeps it bright and fresh (adding too early dulls it)
Use good Parmesan – it really makes a difference here.
Variations: Add crispy bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist or sun-dried tomatoes for little pops of tangy and sweet. Stir through mushrooms for extra depth. Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier version. Sprinkle some pangrattato (Italian breadcrumbs) for extra crunch and flavor.
